Gift Registry Advice and Etiquette

We address some of the myths and mysteries around
Gift Registries.

Q - What will my guests think about me having a
bridal registry - is it rude to tell people what we want?

For wedding and civil ceremony guests, having a
bridal registry is expected. A bridal registry makes gift
giving a convenient and enjoyable process for all guests. It is
especially convenient for loved ones living abroad.

There is nothing worse than giving (or receiving) an
unwanted gift. In the past, sticky moments have arisen when
newly weds have reluctantly had to ask for sales receipts to return
unwanted goods. With a Just
the Thing Gift Registry, these awkward moments are a thing of the
past. Not only do you pick exactly what you want, should you
later change your mind, you will have the cash to buy exactly what
you want at your convenience.

Through Just the Thing, your guests can purchase a
gift online over a secure website or over the telephone and be sure
that it exactly what you want. With the added convenience of 24
online access, your guests can make a purchase from your gift list no
matter what time zone they live in.

Q - What should I put on my list?

It's always good to have a variety of price points.
Don't worry about including some high prices. People will often want
to club together, or someone may want to give you something really
special. As a rough guide, for 100 guests you would want to include
around 50 gifts to an average value of £60 each, as most guests
will buy as couples or families. However, it is always a good
idea to include a range of different priced goods from £10
upward.

Do not pick things for the sake of it - only put down
things you really love and need. Although, with Just the
Thing, you have the added flexibility of being able to change your
mind about goods before they are purchased. Remember, the value
of your gifts is delivered to you so that you have the final say on
all wedding or civil ceremony purchases.

Some couples also like to request charity
contributions to be made in their names. With Just the Thing,
you can add any charity or cause you believe in, not just those who
have their own websites. You have complete flexibility
and control.

Q – What do guests like to buy?

Crystal and silver were traditionally the wedding
gifts of choice but in today’s modern world, few couples have the
space or décor for dated items. While there may still be
the odd stubborn Great Aunt Maude with her silver candy tray, the
modern guest would rather know that their gift has gone toward making
your future lives together that much more special.

That means that you call the shots. If, like
many twenty-first century couples, you’ve already been living
together for a while, guests will not expect to buy you the
traditional place settings or cutlery. Today’s couples are
only limited by their imagination. Many guests are thrilled to
be asked to contribute toward a couple’s honeymoon, home extension
or garden renovation. Don’t forget that your gift list can
cover a range of needs from things for the home, a romantic honeymoon
break, home improvements or even the traditional toaster.

Above all else, your guests will appreciate a
personal and meaningful list. That’s why with Just the Thing
Gift Registries, you can include personal messages or descriptions
with each of the gifts on your gift list.

Q – When should I set up my Gift Registry?

Most couples set up their gift registry approximately
4 weeks before the wedding invitations go out. This allows plenty of
time for editing your list. With a Just the Thing Gift
Registry, couples can also access their lists anytime 24hrs a day to
make changes and additions right up until the day of the wedding!

Q - Should I include notification cards with my
invitations?

Most guests would rather be advised if you do have a
gift registry set up. We offer our customers tastefully
designed registry cards which can be inserted into wedding
invitations. In addition, you can send group emails linking
your guests directly to your celebration website. Just visit
our Member’s
Area to find out how.

If you’d rather not include registry cards, you can
always add a few details to your “Save the Date” cards or
invitations. Wording that we think works best includes:

Some family and friends have been
requesting gift suggestions. We have placed our registry at
www.justthething.co.uk/yourname
for your consideration.

Q - What advice do you have for prospective brides
and grooms?

As most couples these days are getting married after
having already established a home, they prefer more special and
unique gifts that are not always available in a department store -
rather than the traditional wedding gifts of toasters & towels.

Just the Thing Gift Registries gives couples the
freedom and flexibility to put exactly what they want on their gift
list, from that traditional toaster to a piece of artwork from your
favourite gallery, from a honeymoon to a loft extension. It is
entirely up to you.

Because we know that you don’t want to spend hours
trying to create a gift list out of thin air, we have ready
made gift packages to get you started. Just add
our “Romantic Honeymoon” and “Kitchen Essentials” packages,
and with two clicks you’re already halfway there. All
packages are updated regularly and tailor made to suit our
customers. Best of all, each item can be edited individually to
suit your needs.